For Scottish voters, a key issue in the December 12 general election will be whether, in the long term, they want to remain part of the UK or to break away and become an independent country. [104][105] This position was criticised by think tank Common Weal who propose that Scotland should adopt a new currency as close to day 1 of independence as a means to have full fiscal and monetary sovereignty.[106]. The European Union is far from perfect, however, we believe that it is overwhelmingly in Scotland’s interests for us to remain a member, engaging with the institutions as fully as we can, and to argue for reform from within. This request set out the constitutional history of Scotland's place in the United Kingdom and that the Scottish Government would deem either a Section 30 order or an amendment to the Scotland Act as a satisfactory means of transferring the power over independence referendums. Across the United Kingdom, the Conservatives led by David Cameron won an unexpected overall majority, their first since 1992 and following their victory passed the European Union Referendum Act 2015 which legislated for the holding of a national UK-wide referendum on EU membership which would be held following the conclusion of a renegotiation of the UK's membership to the EU. Up to the minute results of the 2019 General Election in Scotland from BBC News [86] Similarly, the French President, François Hollande, stated: "The negotiations will be conducted with the United Kingdom, not with a part of the United Kingdom". [22], The 2015 UK general election was held on 7 May almost eight months after the independence referendum was held. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has asked the Scottish Parliament if she can pursue a second independence referendum. Looking the other way, rolling hills lead to England. 24 April 2019. [35] Sturgeon said it was "democratically unacceptable" that Scotland could be taken out of the EU "against its will". [1], Ahead of the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) said that a second independence referendum should be held if there was a material change of circumstances since the 2014 referendum, and specified one of those as the UK leaving the European Union ("Brexit"). [48] This dropped to 33% in 2017. Of the top 10 most marginal seats in the UK,four are in Scotland. Experts say that’s largely down to a four-party system not seen in England. This election, Chamberlain is banking on her party carving out a niche – attracting voters who want to stay in the EU, but don’t want a second referendum on Scottish independence. The Act was passed by the Parliament on 20 February 2020 and received Royal Assent on 1 April 2020. The SNP's 2019 General Election manifesto stated that the party intended to hold a second referendum in 2020; it won 48 of Scotland’s 59 seats. [54] Legislation was introduced to Parliament to govern any future referenda on any subject held by the devolved institutions. [38], In February 2017, the Scottish Parliament voted 90 to 34 to oppose the UK leaving the EU and to oppose invoking Article 50 in a non-binding vote. “So, what do we have to lose?”. The party lost the first one by a margin of 6 percent. "[37], On 13 October 2016, Sturgeon announced that an Independence Referendum Bill will be published for consultation the following week. With Brexit, such support was due to be ended with a new payment system introduced. 2019 Boris Johnson becomes prime minister, pledging to take Britain out of the EU on 31 October, deal or no deal. But in the last few years the party has made significant gains while Labour, which had triumphed here since the 1960s, lost huge swaths of voters to a reinvigorated SNP. Section . This includes Scottish Parliamentary elections, local authority elections and referenda under the Scottish Parliament's remit. The Conservatives, who oppose independence, saw their best election in Scotland since 1983, winning 29% of the vote and increasing their seat total to thirteen, compared to one in the previous parliament. YES campaigners demonstrate outside the BBC building in Glasgow ahead of the Scottish Referendum. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on a collision course with Scotland’s leader Nicola Sturgeon over the future of the U.K. Sturgeon says Scotland needs a new referendum on whether to … [63] This was on the same day that the Parliament resolved to continue flying the flag of Europe after the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. At the heart of North East Fife is the university town of St Andrews. "[84], After a summit of EU leaders on 29 June 2016, Sturgeon held meetings with some EU officials. In 2013, Scotland exported around three and a half times more to the rest of the UK than to the rest of the EU,[109] while in 2015, that had increased to around four times more to the rest of the UK than to the rest of the EU. [45], The SNP lost seats that voted for independence. 1 Power to provide for referendums . [7], On 28 March 2017, the Scottish Parliament voted 69–59 on Motion S5M-04710, in favour of holding a second referendum on Scottish independence. Scotland rejected independence at a 2014 referendum, 55% to 45%. But circumstances have changed dramatically since then, according to the Scottish National Party (SNP) -- the third-largest party in the UK Parliament. [52] First Minister Sturgeon also announced the establishment of a 'Social Justice Commission' to develop the social argument for independence to complement the SNP's new economic policy.[53]. A handful of the group were too young to vote in the 2016 EU referendum. Only a Labour government would grant a Scottish referendum. Many opinion polls were conducted about Scottish independence before the referendum and then during the campaign. Her husband is an SNP member, though she’s quick to laugh off politically-induced marital strife. A strong performance at the 2019 Westminster election was seen as a green light to press on with independence referendum preparations, while a resounding victory at … The current Scottish Government intends to seek a Section 30 order or an amendment to the Scotland Act 1998 to ensure that the result of a future referendum can be indisputably binding. Cross-party talks are to be held to enable any areas of agreement on changes to devolution to be explored. [112][113], The Scottish Independence Convention backs calls for a referendum. In Scotland a constitutional crisis looms after the dominant Scottish National Party made significant gains, winning 48 of 59 seats, and said it … With many seats in Scotland resting on razor-thin margins, this will be the scene of a fierce battle that could have major consequences for the future of the UK. Professor John Curtice stated in January 2012 that polling had shown support for independence at between 32% and 38% of the Scottish population. In another pub down the road, the SNP incumbent in this constituency, Stephen Gethins, rearranges himself on a plush red barstool. However, the currency would not be adopted until several key economic tests were satisfied, and until then an SNP government would have a policy of Sterlingisation of the Scottish economy and state. and that the Scottish Government should focus on its domestic agenda. [94] The IPPR thinktank stated that Scottish unionists needed to provide options for Scotland, if they wished to retain the British union. [86] He also stated his opposition to the EU negotiating with "anyone other than the government of United Kingdom" and that "if the United Kingdom leaves... Scotland leaves". ", "SNP members change leadership's currency plan", "Scottish independence: Sturgeon wants indyref2 by 2021", "Indyref2: Campaign group launches with Elaine C Smith on board", "Scotland's right to choose: putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands - gov.scot", "SNP manifesto 2019: 12 key policies explained", "Scotland election results 2019: SNP wins election landslide in Scotland", "Sturgeon: Scotland wants different future from rest of UK", "Sturgeon could take legal action to stop Johnson indyref block", "Scottish independence: Johnson rejects Sturgeon's indyref2 demand", "Scottish Parliament backs indyref2 this year — but is swiftly rebuffed", "Brexit: MSPs vote to keep flying EU flag at Scottish Parliament after heated debate", "SNP confirms no indyref2 this year due to coronavirus", "Plans for independence vote to be published in draft bill", "Clear majority in favour of Scottish independence, poll shows", "New poll: 75 would back independence if convinced it would be good for economy", "Stephen Tierney: A Second Independence Referendum in Scotland: The Legal Issues", "Scottish independence: Sorry David Cameron, you can't prevent a second referendum in Scotland", "Scrutiny of Legislative Consent Memorandum", "MSPs back principles of indyref2 framework bill", "Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020", "Nicola Sturgeon says second Scottish referendum 'highly likely' – as it happened", "Sturgeon to lobby EU members to support Scotland's bid to remain", "Sturgeon to seek EU talks to 'protect' Scotland's membership", "Nicola Sturgeon says independence vote would be proposed 'if best or only way to protect EU place, "Brexit: Spain and France oppose Scotland EU talks", "It's wrong that Scotland might be taken out of EU, when it voted to stay. Experts have warned that Spain – which is facing its own Catalan independence movement – may veto any attempt by Scotland to rejoin the bloc. The Scottish Government introduced the Referendums (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament on 28 May 2019. The party specified that their preferred method of showing support for a referendum was via a public petition, although their manifesto didn't clarify how many signatories there would have to be to receive their support:[27]. Although the Scottish Government have paused independence referendum planning, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy will be present for many years. Ahead of that referendum, the Scottish Government stated in its white paper proposing independence that voting Yes was a "once in a generation opportunity to follow a different path, and choose a new and better direction for our nation". The SNP believes an independent Scotland is the best way of staying in the EU; the Lib Dems say Scotland is stronger in Europeand in the UK. Surrounded by rows and rows of multicolored kilts, fox furs, and traditional silver brooches, Brown scoffs at the prospect of ever voting SNP. The independence proposal required a simple majority to pass. St Andrews, Scotland --It’s a bitterly cold November day in the Scottish town of St Andrews, the kind of morning when the grass crackles underfoot like broken glass. Indeed, the St Andrews students said the Scottish independence movement as a whole had been “very supportive” of Catalan activists, flying their flags at rallies and vice versa. They now live in St Andrews and “just because we were born in England doesn’t mean we don’t get a say,” says Luke. What makes elections in Scotland particularly nail-biting is the large proportion of marginal seats. Without such an opt-out, passport controls may be required between Scotland and the CTA members. [39], On 13 March 2017, Nicola Sturgeon announced she would seek Scottish Parliament approval to negotiate with the UK Government for a Section 30 order enabling a legally binding second independence referendum. 2 Application of this Act . Undeterred, tourists swaddled in puffer jackets and armed with selfie sticks ascend the cathedral tower that has overlooked this coastal spot for 800 years. It’s a prospect Labour hasn’t ruled out completely. These polls have been carried out since six weeks after the referendum. [98], Under the United Kingdom’s EU membership, Scottish farmers had been entitled to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments, with fisheries receiving support from the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This Act forms the statutory basis for all future referenda being held under Scots Law under the instruction of the Scottish Government. [46], A Survation poll the day prior to the election found that 71% of 2014 independence voters planned to vote for the SNP,[47] significantly lower than the 87% of 'Yes' voters who were planning to vote SNP at a comparable time in 2015. If there was another referendum and if Scots voted out, it would mark the biggest shock to the United Kingdom since Irish independence a century ago - just as London … The SNP held the position of the third-largest party in the House of Commons, gaining 13 seats from the previous election to a total of 48. Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said an independence referendum that could wrench apart the United Kingdom after Brexit should take place in the earlier part of the devolved parliament's next term, which begins next year. The SNP’s key condition for this would be securing a second Scottish independence referendum. "[119], Former Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron in March 2017, said: “Scottish Liberal Democrats stood for election last year on a platform to oppose a new independence referendum. Of course, there’s no guarantee that an independent Scotland would automatically be welcomed back into the EU. As the United Kingdom faces its most momentous election in recent history, Scotland is grappling with which view to set its sights on. He gets very little business from Europe, and he voted to Leave in the EU referendum. Even the North East Fife’s Conservative candidate, Tony Miklinski, admits that “Boris does alienate some Scottish voters.”, The Prime Minister is “easily portrayed as the cartoon character, Eton-educated toff who’s out of touch with the working class, and with the people of Scotland.”. This generally tends to show independence supporters favouring a referendum, with those against independence being against one. Scotland would only consider an independent currency, once certain economic goals had been met. "[120], A spokesperson speaking on behalf of Cameron's successor as Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister, Theresa May, said in October 2016: "The prime minister and the government does not believe that there is a mandate for [a second referendum]. [91], The new UK Prime Minister Theresa May met with Sturgeon on 15 July 2016 in Edinburgh, when May stated that she was "willing to listen to options" for Scotland,[92] although she later stated that some options were "impracticable". I believe the answer to that question is no. In May 2019, the Scottish Government introduced the Referendums (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament. Regulations 2016, The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016, European Communities Act 1972 (Repeal) Bills, Terms of Withdrawal from EU (Referendum) Bills, UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill 2018, European Union Withdrawal Agreement (Public Vote) Bill 2017–19, Trade negotiation between the UK and the EU, Post-Brexit United Kingdom relations with the European Union, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proposed_second_Scottish_independence_referendum&oldid=991033537, Consequences of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, Articles with dead external links from May 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. [80], Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, Following the EU referendum result, Sturgeon said she would communicate to all EU member states that Scotland had voted to stay in the EU. The Scottish Government advocates that Scotland should be a member of the European Union both as a part of the United Kingdom and as an independent state. [99], In November 2016, Sturgeon confirmed to members of the Scottish Parliament that the Scottish Government was considering joining the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA), based on the model of Norway and some other countries, to "protect [Scotland's] place in the single market" of Europe even if the United Kingdom as a whole does leave in a "hard Brexit". “When your mandate is not accepted, or your people are not listened to, then how can you want to stay part of that union?”, The students say Scotland feels like a “second-class country” where Westminster overlords dictate everything from their finance to defense policies. Regardless, Sturgeon is confident an independent Scotland would be readmitted to the EU. [86], The Scottish European and External Affairs Committee held an evidence session on 30 June 2016, asking a panel of four experts (Dr Kirsty Hughes of Friends of Europe, Prof Sionaidh Douglas-Scott of the Queen Mary School of Law at the University of London, Sir David Edward and Prof Drew Scott of the University of Edinburgh) what they felt was the best way to secure the Scottish-EU relationship. If there was another referendum and if Scots voted out, it would mark the biggest shock to the United Kingdom since Irish independence a … [44] Opposition to a second referendum is one of the issues that former SNP MP Angus Robertson and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson have attributed to reduced support for the SNP. ... Nicola Sturgeon has said she wants to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the EU. Edward believed "Scotland makes quite a good fit with Iceland and Norway", referring to the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association, while Scott hinted that Scotland could be a successor state, meaning the rest of the UK would leave but Scotland would retain its seat. [85], Sturgeon also met European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who commented that "I will listen carefully to what the first minister will tell me... but we don't have the intention, neither Donald Tusk nor myself, to interfere in an inner British process that is not our duty and this is not our job. The elections to the Scottish Parliament took place on 5 May 2016, seven weeks before the holding of the EU Referendum. Both the SNP and Lib Dems want to stop Brexit and both are fighting for pro-European voters. In 2016 Scotsvoted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union. [130], "No" continued to show a lead in opinion polls until July 2019, when one poll by Lord Ashcroft showed a narrow majority for "Yes". If Scotland were to join the EU, this could also cause a customs border to form due to the United Kingdom leaving the EU. Referendums . [16][17], The Scottish Government's official publication on the independence referendum stated that "It is the view of the current Scottish Government that a referendum is a once-in-a-generation opportunity",[18] a point reiterated a few days before the vote by the SNP's then-leader, Alex Salmond, noting the eighteen-year gap between the devolution referenda held in 1979 and in 1997 as an example of the generational opportunity. [59][61], Nicola Sturgeon's request for a referendum was rejected by the UK government in January 2020. Last modified on Mon 3 … They come armed with clipboards and political buttons, eschewing pints of beer for tea and Coca-Cola. #EUref", "Scotland welcome to join EU, Merkel ally says", "Brexit: Scottish independence 'simplest EU option, "Brexit: PM is 'willing to listen to options' on Scotland", "Think tank says unionists must offer Scotland EU options", "Brexit: Sturgeon sets out key Scottish interests that 'must be protected, "Scottish Labour publish Brexit economy 'action plan, "German Parties Snub U.K. to Back Scotland's Push to Defy Brexit", "Britain After Brexit: Resistance from Scotland", "Nicola Sturgeon confirms 'Norway model' option", "EEA 'likely to welcome' an independent Scotland", "Scotland analysis: assessment of a sterling currency union", "Some early thoughts on the Sustainable Growth Commission report", "Six tests would 'act against' creating a Scottish currency, think-tank argues in critique of SNP Growth Commission", "Coronavirus: Largest UK recession on record - official figures", "Scotland officially in recession after GDP fall", "Pro-independence parties throw their weight behind ScotRef decision", "Theresa May rules out Nicola Sturgeon's plans for a new Scottish independence referendum before Brexit, as Lords pass landmark Brexit bill following MPs' vote", "New campaign organisation aims to take independence movement 'to the next level, "Labour councillor and Cosla president calls for second independence referendum", "Alex Salmond calls for second independence referendum after Brexit 'humiliation, "Boris Johnson won't give Scots a second independence referendum", "Scottish independence: Jeremy Corbyn says indyref2 'absolutely fine, "Scottish Liberal Democrats will oppose second referendum", "New Scottish independence bill published", "General election 2019: Jackson Carlaw answers your questions on the election", "Why it's time for Home Rule for Scotland – Richard Leonard", "Richard Leonard tells Labour chiefs Scottish party will decide IndyRef2 position", "Rennie: My MPs will vote to block indyref2", "Willie Rennie wants Scottish independence poll blocked", "New poll: Scotland would back indy if fresh vote was held now", "What are the latest polls saying about Scottish independence? [33][34] Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was "clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union" and that Scotland had "spoken decisively" with a "strong, unequivocal" vote to remain in the European Union. [47] The Conservatives became the largest anti-independence party increasing their votes from 27% to 46% of unionist voters. That said, the polls predicted the same outcome in the 2017 election – instead, the Tories failed to achieve that majority. Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie, on 13 March 2017 welcomed the confirmation from the First Minister that she is seeking a Section 30 Order from the UK Government to give the Scottish Parliament temporary power to hold an independence referendum. [85] David Edward, a former justice of the European Court of Justice, suggested that these arrangements would relate to policy areas that have been devolved to Scotland. [2] The SNP formed a minority government after the 2016 election,[3] and the "leave" side won a referendum on UK membership of the EU in June 2016 despite 62% of votes in Scotland being opposed to Brexit. With just over a week until the election, opinion polls are predicting a Conservative majority in the UK. Happy to discuss w. @NicolaSturgeon next time she's in Bxl. In October 2020, an Ipsos Mori poll for STV News showed 58% of Scots in support for independence[67] and that, if there were an economic case for Scotland becoming independent, 75% of Scots say they would support. "[126], Since the referendum in September 2014, opinion polls have asked how people would vote in a hypothetical second referendum. “Independence is not about ‘oh we hate the English,’” says 22-year-old Scot and pro-independence campaigner Iona Fraser-Collins. This had fallen somewhat since the SNP were first elected to become the Scottish Government in 2007. ", "How would you vote in a Scottish independence referendum if held now? [5][6] No Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has approved the transfer of power for another independence referendum under Section 30,[7][8][9][10] and current Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not sanction it while he is in office. [81] An emergency Scottish cabinet meeting on 25 June 2016 agreed that the Scottish Government would seek to enter negotiations with the EU and its member states, to explore "options to protect Scotland's place in the EU". "[86] Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party Group, and Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Group, indicated that they were supportive of Scotland remaining an EU member. [58], The SNP garnered 45% of the popular vote in Scotland, an 8% gain from the 2017 UK general election. Despite not having a separate currency on independence, the report suggested that Scotland would set up a central bank to act as a lender of last resort. [50], Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson responded to the report by saying: "For me, the most important issue is making sure our children get a good education. He has stated that Scotland should seek a new devolution settlement rather than becoming an independent country. [60] Given Johnson's opposition to a second referendum, Sturgeon stated the Scottish Government could pursue a legal course of action to try to give the Scottish Parliament the power to call a referendum. This group was established by the Scottish Independence Convention which is made up of cross-party and grassroots organisations.